More

Report: Rural Midwest, West Growth Slowing

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Economic growth has continued to slow in rural areas of 10 Midwestern and Western states because of the problems in Europe and elsewhere, according to a report released Thursday.

The overall index on the monthly survey of bankers declined to 56.7 in June, from May’s 58.5. That’s the lowest level for the index in 2012, but any score above 50 still suggests growth in the months ahead.

“International economic problems are affecting us here,” said Dale Bradley, CEO of Citizens State Bank in Miltonvale, Kan.

The checking deposit index sank to 55.3 in June, from May’s 62.9. The index for savings instruments dipped to 38.9 in June, from May’s 41.7.

The hiring index remained at strong at 59.1 in June, which was slightly below May’s 59.2. Goss said job growth varies widely across the region.

The bankers seem to remain confident about the economy over the next six months because the confidence index registered 58.5 in June. That’s down from May’s 60.2, but still well above the neutral score of 50.

The June home sales index climbed to 66.4, from May’s 65.2. The retail sales index slipped to 54.6 in June, from 54.7 in May.